The Flyers Post
November - December 2015
​Marching Band Wins Gold
Photo Credits to ​ ​Framingham High School Instrumental Department Facebook​ ​page
“Everyone was really proud of each other”
On November 1st, The Framingham High School Marching Band competed at the New England
Scholastic Band Association’s New England Championships in Lawrence. Framingham placed 2nd
at 91.3 points, short only to North Middlesex Regional High. Framingham HIgh’s own Lara Williams
was awarded Best Drum Major for Division 2. When asked how she felt about getting the award she
said, “The best feeling wasn’t even getting the award. It was seeing the pride on the director's’
faces and the faces of all of my band members. It’s something I’ll never forget.” The theme of the
marching band this year is The Sea.
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FHS Soldier Cookie Project
Image Credits: Google Images
The Framingham High School Family Consumer Science Department is holding
their 5th annual Soldier Cookie Project. Following the Thanksgiving break,
Foods students will be making an assortment of cookies to send to military
members serving overseas. Students and staff are encouraged to send the
names of family members who are serving overseas in the military. Names
may be submitted to Ms. Floeckher at ​[email protected]​ or
written down on a piece of paper and given to anyone in the FCS Department.
This is an great project that will hopefully continue for many years to come.
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This Week on Wall Street: IRAs, Bills, and Kinder Morgan Inc.
By Alexa Wilcox
This week on Wall Street, thousands of investors have collected a surprise tax bill involving
their IRAs (Individual Retirement Arrangements). An IRA (Individual Retirement Account)
contains tax benefits for upcoming retirees. There are different types of IRA, including the
Traditional IRA (which many Americans have). A Traditional IRA is tax-deductible, which
means that money is deposited before being taxed. Most Americans utilize a Traditional IRA,
where if you take money from it before retirement, there will be a 30% fine taken from the
amount you withdraw.
In the case of other Americans, some have a Roth IRA. Roth IRAs are named after William V.
Roth Jr., who was a senator involved with the Taxpayer Relief Act of 1997. These IRAs allow
tax-free withdrawals and after-tax asset contributions. Investors like Phoenix’s Steve
Goldston have a Roth IRA, but Goldston’s case was seen as quite a rare one when he
received a bill that was signed in his name, completely filled out.
A master limited partnership with Kinder Morgan Inc., whom has experienced a gradual drop
in stock prices, was held within his personal IRA. About 5,000 people have complained of
the same occurrence, seeing money coming out of their own accounts; all are affiliated with
Kinder Morgan Inc. However experts have stated that KMI is not the only firm that is sending
out tax bills for investors that also hold MLPs (Master Limited Partnerships) in their own IRAs.
MLPs are known to contain tax traps in order to deceive people out of their money. Although
IRAs come with numerous benefits, there are certain limits to the glory that comes with them.
The decision of the holder affects how the assets flow. IRA owners usually invest in bonds,
stocks, and funds. But if they choose to invest in partnerships, there is a tax that comes with
it. Once that time comes around to collect the taxes, a special custodian/trustee is given the
task to acquire a tax ID number and fill out the forms in order to send out the payments. It is
then the IRA owner’s responsibility to pay the tax.
A possible reason for the sudden tax bill could be from a roll-up of MLPs (Master Limited
Partnerships) that a parent firm of Kinder Morgan Inc. conducted to trigger the sudden large
bills. It generated a mountain of postponed taxes. Along with custodians having trouble filling
out the tardy forms since they contained barely any information, penalties and interest fees
were sent to the account.
Investors must be careful in choosing what to invest in and make sure they truly understand
the game of IRA investing; and that may end this week on Wall Street.
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Aftermath of the Paris Terror Attacks
By Ohad Klopman
We have all heard of the Paris terror attacks that shocked Paris a
week and a half ago, on the 13th of November. 129 people were
killed, and dozens more injured. France as a whole is now taking
action to retaliate and fight terrorism. President Francois Hollande
of France met with French national security and decided that
France would take the most action possible. In Hollande’s words,
“The acts committed on Friday evening in Paris … are acts of
war.”
France began bombing Iraq and Syria on Sunday. For a long time
now, France has been supporting American air raids in the Middle
East, but after these traumatic events France has started taking
their own actions. On the home front, French police raided
several homes in search of two suspects. After finding them,
police held a 7-hour standoff resulting in one suspect detonating
a suicide vest and the other being shot. Both suspects are now
dead.
Looking to the future, President Hollande conveyed France’s plan
to continue to accept Syrian refugees into the country. In fact,
France is now planning to accept up to 30,000 refugees within the
next two years, which is 6,000 more than the previous policy.
POP CULTURE
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By Elienishka Ramos
AHS: Lady gaga, ratings and more
In the fall, there are many holidays and events are celebrated in American society. Halloween,
Thanksgiving, and more recently, the season premiere of ​American Horror Story: Hotel in early
October. Now into the fifth season of the show, it has already brought it a big fan base despite the
absence of the legendary AHS OG (Original Gangster), Jessica Lange who retired shortly after
finishing the fourth season of the show. While many fans were discouraged to watch the following
season without her, fans were excited to hear that the famous artist Lady Gaga (known for her
unique and abstract way of expressing her art) would be a main character in season five.
Fortunately, ever since the premiere the actress has been receiving compliments from Ryan
Murphy, co-producer, director and screenwriter of AHS. In an interview on ​Entertainment Tonight​,
Murphy says, “I have to say, she’s one of the great professional joys in my life… She has been such a
team player, the cast and crew is obsessed with her. Her performance is amazing. She’s a great
actress.” Adding on to her television success, many magazines and blogs have all complimented
her on her hard work and wonderful job so far in the season.
But while Gaga is being constantly praised by the cast and crew of the season, she is also receiving
impolite reviews and accusations ever since the first episode of the season came out. ​Inquisitr
reveals that each week, ratings have been dropping sharply, showing tweets of viewers that criticize
the provision on the plot, scene lengths, and overall feel of the show that has been claimed to be
lost with each new season. Of course, this isn’t necessarily Gaga’s fault, yet she seems to be the
target of all of this because this is her first time appearing on the show. Another source of the
ratings lowering, could be the accusations of Gaga being offensive to the LGBTQ+, and black
community, because of a controversial photo found of her attending a party (posted on twitter), in
which both racist and homophobic people attended. However, the picture has not gained much
popularity at all, and is old.
On a lighter note, there has been buzzing news that the show has announced that it’s going to be
revived for a sixth season, and many are wondering: will Lady Gaga return for the upcoming
season?
We Were Liars by E. Lockhart
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Rating: ​9/10
Recommend to a Friend? ​YES
“​This is a book about privilege.
This is a book about a crime.
This is a book about first love.
Or then again, maybe it’s not.”
“​We Were Liars​” has been a critically acclaimed book for the past year after being
chosen as Goodreads Choice Award for Best Young Adult Fiction. as well as being listed as
an ​ALA Top Ten Best Fiction for Young Adults​ for 2015.
We Were Liars​ by E. Lockhart is about a rich Democratic family who go to Cape Cod
every year for the summer until an accident left the main protagonist, Cadence in a
weakened mental and physical state. Cadence is left clueless as she suffered amnesia
following the accident and her family refuses to speak of it. To make matters worse, she
has not heard anything from her two closest cousins, Mirren and Johnny who were her best
friends. She also got no responses from a family friend, Gat, a very intelligent and caring
boy whom Cadence had a relationship with. This foursome were the self-proclaimed Liars.
This novel is absorbing and you cannot put it down! As Cadence struggles to figure
out what ​really​ happened in the accident and why everyone and everything has changed,
readers become even more drawn in. ​We Were Liars​ is truly a book for everyone. The
romantic and sweet moments between Gat and Cadence, the friendship and humor emitted
from the Liars, action seekers will even get a thrill from this enthralling novel. It is a
dramatic book that leaves the reader looking for more.
Lockhart uses literary devices to her advantage and takes the reader on a journey.
The themes of continuity, loss, family, home, and mortality are highlighted in the novel.
Lockhart does not ignore familial competition and the extent someone will go to get money
and power, and the toll it has on others. This book has understandable actions and
reactions that the reader can relate to. Mental illness is also mentioned, but not elaborated,
in the book as Cadance suffers from PTSD and depression.
I highly recommend this book, especially to those who love dramas, love stories,
page turners and plot twists. If you like John Green, Rainbow Rowell, and Sarah Dessen this
is also an ideal book for you. We Were Liars can be found at the FHS library, as well as the
Framingham Public Library, or on websites such as Amazon.com and Barnes and
Noble.com.
“​We are liars. We are beautiful and privileged. We are cracked and broken.”
Find Your Horoscope..
Aries​ ​(March 21- April 19): December will be your month! The planets really are aligned in your favor.
You will breeze through this month, hitting very few obstacles. But don’t just sit around and relax. If you
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continue to work hard through December, it might make the months to come easier as well. But
remember to also be conscious of your actions through December, because any small action you make
might make a big impact on your life.
Taurus​ ​(April 20- May 20): This month you will start out with a burst of energy, thanks to Venus’
presence. All your troubles will seem far away. But do not get carried away. Manage your time very well,
or else in the later half of the month your energy and ambitions will falter. If you manage your time and
keep your ego in check, you will accomplish so much in December.
Gemini​ ​(May 21- June 20): December might start out a bit bumpy. There will be many obstacles that you
may have to overcome. But do not get discouraged. If you face these challenges head on you will surely
succeed. Remember to keep control of your emotions and not to get ahead of yourself.
Cancer​ ​(June 21- July 22): December will be a powerful month for Cancers. You will be filled with energy
and emotion. You will be faced with many powerful decisions. Do not cloud your view with emotions and
try to keep a level head. You may have a lot of celestial energy this month, but be sure not to bite off more
than you can chew.
Leo​ ​(July 23- Aug 22): This upcoming month will be full of potential for Leos. You may get discouraged
and lose your way. Try not to doubt yourself and be sure to push any negativity away. If you keep your
options open and do not get discouraged you will accomplish many things and turn your life in the right
direction.
Virgo​ ​(Aug 23- Sept 22): December may be a chaotic month for Virgos. Your energy is all over the place
and you might feel scattered or overwhelmed. Try to not make any rash decisions and take things one
step at a time. Stay organized because it will help you in the long run.
Libra​ ​(Sept 23- Oct 22): December will be your month! Most of the negativety you may encounter in this
month will be blocked by your ruling planet, Venus. You will be filled with power and determination, and
be able to set your life on the right course and chase your ambitions. Try not to get too carried away
though.
Scorpio​ ​(Oct 24- Nov 22): Scorpios will have an unpredictable month. You will experience a great deal of
both positive and negative energy. You will be quite lucky throughout the month. However make sure to
give any task you are faced 100% of your effort. Slacking off will result in chaos later down the road.
Sagittarius​ ​(23 Nov- 21 Dec): December will be a very promising month for you. You will be filled with
energy and positivity. You will experience a great amount of success and be able to obtain your goals. But
try to avoid making many huge decisions because you may be blinded by your own positivity.
Capricorn​ ​(Dec 22- Jan 20): December is a relaxing time for Capricorns. You do not experience any
negativity in December, but you do not face a lot of positivity either. You will easily pass through any
obstacles or challenges this month. Sit back and relax this month, but be sure not to get carried away.
Aquarius​ ​(21 Jan- 18 Feb): Aquarius’ may have a promising month, but it won’t be easy. You will face some
big challenges. There are a lot of contradictory emotions you will face in the time to come. But do not get
discouraged. If you stay focused and keep your emotions in check you may be able to accomplish a great
deal.
Pisces​ ​(Feb 19- March 20): December will sadly be a hectic month for Pisces. Your emotions will be
jumbled up. You will not face many obstacles in December, but keeping track of your emotions will take a
lot of energy. Try to not get overwhelmed and take task one at a time. Stay organized and try to avoid any
unnecessary conflicts. By: ​Zoe Silverman To learn more visit​ ​zodiac­babes.tumblr.com
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11.04.2015 Today I told you my secrets. Not all of them. But just enough so that you know how much I don’t want to breathe. And how much I wish I couldn’t exist in a time of uncertainty and pain. The amount of times you hugged me and kissed me and made me pinky promise that I will tell you everything made me tear up. And the way you looked into my eyes... I just wanted to be lost in the sea of brown and golden flecks. And maybe I need something as simple as a kiss on the forehead and our pinkies wrapped together. It brings me certainty that you’ll always be near. The pain of having to breathe will never surpass the way I feel for you. For when we stood under the church lights and made our promises, and the sound of the chorus on the balcony, and the water vapor created from our cold breath. I can truthfully say that our story will never end. Because we made our promises and we shall keep our promises. Amanda DeOliveira
The Fleagle Asks The Owl 8
Dear FAO, How much wood could a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood? ­Riddles Galore Dear FAO, I always sleep through my alarm...any tips on how I can stop? ­Late all the time Dear FAO, Who are you? ­Suspicious ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Answers Dear Riddles Galore, I’d say about ¾ of their body weight. However, that would only be for your average joe of a woodchuck. I believe the record for woodchuck athletes was achieved at Summer Chucklympics held in Louisiana in 1996. Arnold J Chuckerson holds the record by chucking 90 lbs of wood. Dear Late all the Time, A couple tips: ● If you hit snooze a lot, set multiple alarms that slowly get louder with each alarm. ● Change your alarm sound often. Sometimes you get used to the same noise over and over so it fades into the background. By changing the sound you won’t get used to it so you will be less likely to sleep through it. ● Keep your alarm out of easy reach. I mean really out of reach. As far as possible away from your bed is best. That way you actually have to get out of bed to turn it off. ● And, if all else fails, get an alarm clock THAT MOVES! Alarm clocks such as Tocky, roll off of your bedside table or desk and onto the floor where they roll around in erratic patterns and sound off their alarm. To quote a friend of mine who has one, “It’s the most obnoxious thing ever, but it gets me up that’s for sure”. Dear Suspicious , What are you talking about? I’m The Wize Owl, cousin to the Fleagles like yourself. I’m just here to hand out advice. Hope this helped!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Presidential Candidate Updates
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by Cassidy Slamin
While the elections are a year away, the race for the next president of the United
States is in full swing. Noticeably, many of the candidates are Republicans who hope to
make some changes following a two-term, relatively liberal, Democrat.
Frontrunners for the GOP are Donald Trump, businessman and entrepreneur,
and Dr. Ben Carson, former pediatric neurosurgeon. Trump is noted for his strong
comments on immigration. If elected, Trump plans to build a “great wall” along the
Mexican border, with the intentions of the Mexican government to pay for the structure.
Dr. Carson, on the other hand, has gained an audience due to his “strong family values”meaning he is extremely pro-life and is against LGBTQ rights. Along with these
candidates, who as of November 18th have 26% and 23% approval rating among only
Republican voters respectively (according to politico.com), other candidates are coming
up behind. Ted Cruz and Marco Rubio have stepped into the spotlight in recent weeks.
Carly Fiorina, the only female GOP candidate, has also done very well in debate. On
November 17th, Bobby Jindal, former US Congressman, announced he will end his
campaign for presidency following low poll numbers. The same cannot be said for Jeb
Bush, son of the 41st president and brother to the 43rd, who despite a low 8% approval
rating, is continuing his campaign with heavy televised advertisement. Governor Chris
Christie is also a familiar face to television with his ever-present ads.
The Democratic race is just as intense, if not more. With only 3 major candidates
(Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, and Martin O’Malley) it is definitely a tight race
between two of the candidates. Former First Lady and Secretary of State, Hillary
Clinton, is the front runner. If elected to office, she would be the first female president.
However Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has a high youth vote and is the most
liberal candidate. Sanders advocates for equality, a just economic system, and the
environment. Lastly, Martin O’Malley is bringing up the rear with a 2% approval rating.
The primaries will begin in Iowa on February 1st.
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Class ANNOUNCEMENTS
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School announcements
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